General:

Anytime an operational limit is exceeded, an appropriate entry shall be made on

DA Form 2408-13.
Entry shall state what limit or limits were exceeded, range, time beyond limits, and
any additional data that would aid maintenance personnel in the inspection that is
required.

Instrument markings:
RED markings on the dial faces of the instruments indicate the limit above or below
which continued operation is likely to cause damage or shorten life.
The GREEN markings on the dial faces of the instruments indicate the safe or
normal range of operation.
The YELLOW markings on instruments indicate the range when special attention
should be given to the operation covered by the instrument.

Rotor limitations:

Rotor RPM-Power On
Minimum: 314 RPM
Cont. Operation: 314 to 324 RPM
Maximum: 324 RPM
Rotor RPM-Power OFF
Minimum 295 RPM
Maximum 339 RPM

Normally, autorotation rpm will be set at approximately 295 to 324 rotor rpm at
sea level, 70 KIAS, at light gross weight (2 persons, full fuel). Autorotation main
rotor speed shall not exceed 339 rpm.

Torque Pressure:
Red 100% Maximum
Yellow 88-100% 5 minutes
Green 0-88% Cont. Operation
Engine Oil Pressure:
Red 25 PSI Minimum-Engine Idle
Red 100 PSI Maximum
Green 80 to 100 PSI Normal Operation Range

Engine Oil Temperature:

Red 93 °C Maximum-Below 30 °C FAT
Red 100 °C Maximum-At or Above 30 °C FAT

Note:
Operating time, engine oil temperature and ambient temperature shall be logged
on DA Form 2408-13 when engine oil temperature exceeds 93 °C

Engine Gas Temperature:

Red 950 °C Maximum Start
Red 880 °C Maximum
Yellow 820-880 °C (30 minutes maximum)
Green 400-820 °C Cont. Operation

Rotor Tachometer:
Red 339 RPM Maximum for Autorotation
Red 295 RPM Minimum
Green 295 to 339 RPM Cont. Operation

Engine Tachometer:
Red 6400 RPM Minimum
Red 6600 RPM Maximum
Green 6400 to 6600 RPM Cont. Operation

Fuel Pressure:
Green 5 to 35 psi Continuous Operation

Airspeed:
Red 130 Knots Maximum
Note:
Maximum airspeed is limited by gross weight, density altitude and torque.
Transmission Oil Temperature:
Red 110 °C Maximum

Transmission Oil Pressure:

Red 30 PSI Minimum
Green 40 to 70 PSI Cont. Operation
Red 70 PSI Maximum
Yellow 30 to 40 PSI Minimum

Gas Producer Tachometer:

Red 105.8 % Maximum

Wind Limitation:
Helicopter can be started in a maximum wind velocity of 30 knots and a maximum
gust spread of 15 knots.

Engine Limitations:
 Maximum N2 rpm allowable is 6840 at or below 91% N1
 Maximum N2 rpm allowable is 6700 above 91% N1
 Maximum transient N2 rpm allowable is 6910 for a maximum of 3 seconds.
 Maximum oil consumption is 0.3 gal (2.4 pints) per hour

Engine Rating:
The helicopter is equipped with a T53-L-703 series engine, which at 6600 RPM has
the following rates:
Take-Off Power (TOP) — 1800 SHP and Maximum Continuous Power (MCP)—1500
SHP. The helicopter is torque limited by the transmission to TOP (5 minutes) —
1290 SHP and MCP — 1134 SHP which corresponds to 100% and 88% on the
torque gauge when operating at 6600 engine/324 rotor RPM.
Center of Gravity Limitations:
CAUTION:
CG limits may be exceeded under minimum payload and crew conditions when
either the armor seats are removed or if the battery is in the aft location. Check to
ensure helicopter is within limits prior to flight.

CAUTION:
Do not carry external loads with a CG aft of station 142 prior to lifting external
load.

CAUTION:
When flying at an aft CG (station 140 to 144) terminate an approach at a minimum
5-foot hover prior to landing to prevent striking the tail on the ground. Practice
touchdown autorotation shall not be attempted with the CG aft of station 140
because termination at 5-feet hover is not possible.

CAUTION:
With armor seats installed, and with a left lateral CG the pilots arm and right cyclic
movement will be restricted.

Weight Limitations:
 The maximum gross weight for the helicopter is 10,500 pounds for internal
loading and 11,200 pounds for external loading.
 Maximum Gross Weight for Towing: 9500 pounds
 Cargo Hook P/N 205-070-900 Weight Limitations: 5000 pounds
WARNING:
Due to the danger of high voltage created by static electricity in external cargo
hookups, a crewmember must inform all ground handling personnel of high
voltage hazards when making external cargo hookups.

WARNING:
Caution shall be exercised when carrying external cargo because the helicopter
handling characteristics may be affected by the size, weight, and shape of the
cargo load.
 Floor loading limits: 100 pounds per square foot
Airspeed Limitations:
WARNING:
If a main cargo door comes open from closed position while in flight, reduce
airspeed below 50 knots and secure door. If not possible to secure in closed
position, the door must be fully opened and secured by the open door latch.
When securing the cargo door in flight, the crewmembers shall be fastened to the
helicopter by seat belts or other safety devices.

WARNING:
The helicopter can be flown at 120 KIAS with the cargo doors locked in the full
open position only if the appropriate modifications have been made to the cargo
doors and airframe.

 VNE is 80 KIAS for all gross weights when above 88% torque
 Sideward flight limits are 35 knots
 Rearward flight limit is 30 knots

Maneuvering Limits:
WARNING:
Abrupt changes of flight controls causing a negative “G” load are prohibited.

 The speed for any and all maneuvers shall not exceed the level flight velocities
as stated on the Air Speed Operating Limits Chart.
 Intentional flight into severe or extreme turbulence is prohibited.
 Intentional flight into moderate turbulence is not recommended when the
report or forecast is based on aircraft above 12500 pounds gross weight.
 Intentional flight into thunderstorms is prohibited.
Other Limitations:

 The helicopter should not be towed for 25 minutes after the battery and
inverter switches have been turned off to prevent damage to attitude and
directional gyros. If the helicopter must be towed prior to the 25-minute
waiting period, the battery and inverter switches shall be turned ON. Wait 5
minutes after the switches are ON before moving the helicopter.

CAUTION:
Caution is to be exercised for slopes greater than 5 degrees, since rigging, loading,
and wind condition may result in contacting the control stops.

 Cross slope or nose up slop -10 °

 Nose down slope -7 °